Experiencing chemo induced menopausal symptoms and heavy bleeding.

terrbird20
terrbird20 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I'm 36 y.o., was diagnosed in Oct '99 and finished treatments in July of 2000 (had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation). Over the last several years, have had somewhat irregular periods and in the last 8 months have had many 3 week periods along with heavy bleeding. Recently had a uterine biopsy which came back negative for cancer (Yea!). Now, my new gyn (knows about the breast cxr) wants to treat the irregularity with progesterone (though I don't know all the details yet as we have not had that discussion yet (have appt. with her next week). My breast cxr was ER/PR negative and slightly HER/2-NEU positive. Anyone have any thoughts on my treatment options? I'm not excited about going for a hysterectomy (personally, it's my last choice as well as my gyn's last choice). Thanks, Terry

Comments

  • 3rdtime
    3rdtime Member Posts: 7
    #2
    Hi, I was 38 when diagnosed with breast cancer, had the hysterectomy before but was estrogen receptor positive cancer so no hormone followup for me. Lots of Vitamin E helped me a lot with the menopausal symptoms. So you might ask your doctor about that but make sure you know the risks (if any) vs benefits of the progesterone before you take it.
  • dstarnes
    dstarnes Member Posts: 14
    #3
    Hi Terry - I, too was diagnosed in Nov'99 & had the same treatments as you. I took tamoxifen for a little over 2 yrs. I experienced irregular and heavy bleeding, also. I had uterine biopsy, which was negative. BC was estrogen pos. I decided to go to gyn. on my own, because could not get answers to my satisfaction. She found polpyhs that had developed partly because of tamoxifen. They were very large and weeping, one of the causes of the bleeding. I had a complete hyster. and ovary removal Oct'03, and I feel great now! I feel as if a large weight has been lifted off me. My oncologist had kept telling me nothing to worry about, after going to the gyn. I have lost some faith in the oncol., but will address that the next time I see him.
    My sister just had to have a hyster. this month because of irregular and heavy bleeding, also. Her gyncologist found beginnings of endometreosis.
    He felt this could have been most of her problems.
    She had taken progesterone for many yrs, which he indicated was not very smart. She has no cancer history, but with mine, he didn't think hormones were a very safe thing for her. Just have faith in yourself and you'll reach the right decision.
    Good luck, Deana

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